How Many Sizes Can I Drop with Tummy Tuck Surgery?

By: Dr. Sean Kelishadi, M.D. FACS

8/17/2022

Has your waistline expanded over the years as a result of loose skin, stubborn fat, or diastasis recti? If so, you’re not alone. Each year, thousands of patients who want to reverse the unwanted side effects of aging, pregnancy, and weight loss turn to tummy tuck surgery to transform their physique and trim down their waist. At SSK Plastic Surgery in Orange County, CA, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi can help you get the slimmer, sexier look you’ve been dreaming of with a Newport Beach tummy tuck. Learn more here about what to expect with tummy tuck surgery, including how much of a change in waist size you may be able to achieve.

What does a tummy tuck do?

The tummy tuck is primarily designed to make cosmetic improvements to a patient’s midsection through skin removal and fat reduction, but it can also be used to repair abdominal muscle separation – a condition known as diastasis recti. Tummy tuck surgery is most popular among patients who have experienced changes to their abdomen associated with pregnancy, childbirth, weight fluctuation, and aging. These include:

  • Loose stomach
  • Wrinkled stomach
  • Hanging stomach skin
  • Stretched-out skin on stomach
  • Belly pooch
  • Muffin top
  • Stubborn abdominal fat
  • Abdominal stretch marks
  • Diastasis recti

How is a tummy tuck performed?

Depending on the amount of excess skin that needs to be removed, as well as the patient’s other concerns, Dr. Kelishadi may recommend either a mini tummy tuck, a full tummy tuck, or an extended tummy tuck. The fundamental approach for each type of tummy tuck is fairly similar, with the most notable difference being the size of the incision used. Generally speaking, tummy tuck surgery is performed via a horizontal incision on the patient’s lower abdomen, through which Dr. Kelishadi is able to remove stubborn fat with liposuction, trim away excess skin, and – if needed – repair and reinforce separated ab muscles. The remaining skin is then pulled tightly over the patient’s newly sculpted contours and secured with sutures.

How much weight will I lose after a tummy tuck?

Patients considering tummy tuck surgery should understand that the procedure is not designed as a weight loss tool. However, most patients do lose at least a few pounds due to excess skin and fat being removed during surgery. For the majority of patients, losing inches and dropping their waist/pant size is the most noticeable effect of tummy tuck surgery. On average, patients can expect to go down about 2 – 3 pant sizes after tummy tuck surgery, though many patients reduce their waist size by even more. Again, this will depend on how much excess skin the patient has to start with, as well as how committed they are to maintaining their weight after surgery. With a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle following tummy tuck surgery, your newly slimmed waistline can last for decades.

Get back in your skinny pants with tummy tuck surgery in Orange County, CA

If you have a favorite dress or pair of jeans that you haven’t been able to squeeze into for years thanks to stubborn fat or excess skin, you’re not alone. Join the many men and women who have shed up to four or more sizes with tummy tuck surgery in Newport Beach, CA. Take the first step toward getting the slim and sexy shape you desire by calling SSK Plastic Surgery in Orange County, CA to schedule your private consultation with award-winning board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi today.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.